General Counsel

Provide enterprise-wide legal leadership and strategic counsel to the executive leadership team and leaders of the Company’s business lines and functions, influencing critical business decisions and risk management initiatives.

• Lead, develop, and oversee the performance of all legal department attorneys and staff, ensuring the highest standards of professional excellence.
• Manage all legal operations supporting the Company’s business, including commercial and consumer lending, special assets, bankruptcy, retail branch support, regulatory compliance, litigation management, employment, intellectual property, data privacy, real estate, and garnishments, levies, and subpoenas.
• Advise on and lead the Company’s most complex and high-impact transactions, litigation, and dispute resolution matters.
• Oversee selection and performance of outside counsel relationships, securing cost-effective, high-quality legal representation.
• Oversee all regulatory matters, proactively monitor legal and regulatory changes, and ensure robust compliance and governance frameworks are implemented and maintained.
• Develop and implement Company-wide legal policies; serve as legal lead on major corporate projects and cross-functional initiatives.
• Partner with the General Counsel to set the strategic direction for the legal department, including developing and executing the legal department’s strategic plan and budget.
• Foster a culture of excellence and continuous improvement within the legal department, providing coaching, development, and performance management for all direct reports.

Requirements

• JD from accredited US law school; licensed to practice in SC or GA
• 15+ years of relevant law firm and in-house legal department experience in a financial institution
• Expertise in all major legal disciplines relevant to financial institutions, including finance, lending, deposits, commercial agreements, regulatory compliance, and litigation management
• Proven ability to advise and influence executive leadership on high-stakes legal and business matters
• Exceptional leadership, communication, and interpersonal skills; ability to inspire and lead teams through organizational change and growth
• Superior organizational and analytical capabilities, with a demonstrated ability to manage multiple, complex priorities in a dynamic environment

Core Competencies

Demonstrates extensive legal expertise in financial institutions, including regulatory compliance, litigation management, and commercial agreements, while providing strategic counsel and leadership to executive teams. Proven track record in developing legal policies and managing complex legal operations effectively.